It is not uncommon for drivers to switch teams and manufacturers in NASCAR. However, eyebrows get raised when a relationship strengthened with time and success gets dissolved. Longtime friends become foes and teammates become rivals overnight. Such was the case with Kyle Busch when he had to make the infamous switch from Joe Gibbs Racing to Richard Childress Racing.

In light of the wonderful season Busch has been having since joining RCR, there has been a lot of talk about Joe Gibbs’s decision to cut ties with Busch. A recent interview between NASCAR on NBC journalist Dustin Long and analysts Jeff Burton and Kyle Petty has caused a stir among fans. The trio talked about the intriguing dynamics between the illustrious team owner and his ex-driver Kyle Busch. Amidst the controversies and high stakes, Jeff Burton boldly declared that Joe Gibbs made the right call.

Joe Gibbs vs Kyle Busch: The unforeseen showdown and its fallout

During the conversation, Dustin Long and Jeff Burton addressed the speculations surrounding Joe Gibbs and his former driver Kyle Busch. Gibbs, unable to afford Busch without a sponsor, abandoned him last year. Now, with Busch consistently recording wins for another team, several experts feel that Gibbs must be kicking himself. Dustin Long set the stage for a captivating discussion about Busch’s exceptional start to the season. 

“A year ago Joe Gibbs said he hoped he would not have to compete against Kyle Busch. Well, he’s having to do so this year. […] Kyle Busch, with what we’ve seen this year, is this a man on a mission or what are we seeing out of the start that he’s had with three wins at the beginning of the season here?”

Jeff Burton replied, “Well look, Joe Gibbs was right and Joe knew the talent that he had in Kyle Busch. He knew it, everybody knew it!”

“The question was, because of the lack of success that Kyle had over the last several years, at Kyle’s level, the expectation we all have for Kyle, ‘Was it Kyle? Was it the car? Was it a combination of all these things? Like what was it, right?'”

Jeff Burton makes his stance clear. Taking a firm position, the racing icon affirmed with Joe Gibbs’s statement that he would not want to be competing with Busch.

Watch This Story: Kyle Busch Uncharacteristically Sides With Chase Elliott Slamming Bubba Wallace Insiders Demand

Can Joe Gibbs navigate through the rise of his former driver?

Trending

Denny Hamlin Puts NASCAR System Under Scrutiny for Ross Chastain’s Playoff Disruption

Months After Suspension, Joe Gibbs’ Veteran ‘Chokes Up’ On Fulfilling 7-Year Long Redemption

“I’m Not Doing It”- Denny Hamlin Confesses the Only Condition That Would Bring Carl Edwards Back to NASCAR

Bubba Wallace’s Insider Warns Tony Stewart’s Mentee Against ‘Enemy’ Kyle Busch in 2-Words

NASCAR Rumor: Noah Gragson to Steal Kevin Harvick’s NASCAR Legacy From Tony Stewart’s Star, Claim Fans

Twelve years after their altercation at the Kansas Speedway parking lot, Richard Childress and Kyle Busch found themselves celebrating together. They were rejoicing after Busch’s victory, just a few miles to the east of the Mississippi River. It demonstrated a number of things, including the fact that in a team that once dominated NASCAR’s premier series with Dale Earnhardt at the wheel of the legendary #3, Busch could be equally successful, and perhaps more importantly, that Rowdy could mature.

According to Burton, even legends have their bad days. He added, “So there was enough doubt in everybody’s mind and I’ll tell you probably even Kyle Busch’s too. Like where was he at this stage in his career as a driver?

“Well, we now know that Richard Childress Racing has really good equipment. We now know that Kyle Bush, given the right equipment, can still get it done. So you know now everybody goes to work and tries to address that how does Joe Gibbs battle against Kyle Busch? How does Richard Childress continue to improve and make themselves better?” 

When M&Ms announced that they wouldn’t be continuing with JGR from 2023, Busch might have anticipated that Coach Gibbs would secure him a new sponsor and that they would go on doing what they have been doing since 2008—winning races and championships. But it was all for naught. 

READ MORE: “What’s the Limit?” – Kyle Busch Questions NASCAR After Another Name Is Added to the Next Gen Casualty List

But one thing is evident: we cannot undermine talent. Despite the doubts surrounding Busch’s performance over the last couple of years, he has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with. As a result, the racing world is left grappling with the question: Can Joe Gibbs effectively navigate the challenge posed by his former driver?